Brown University researchers will develop a research-based register of controlled trials related to ophthalmology and optometry. They aim to provide evidence-based treatments to patients, helping physicians and consumers make informed healthcare choices.
A phase II trial demonstrated the therapeutic benefit of an angiogenic growth factor in patients with painful blockages in the legs. Treated patients showed significant increases in peak walking times and improved scores in a blood pressure index, suggesting improved perfusion.
A survey found that few Americans are aware of ocular hypertension, with only 41% recognizing it as a factor in glaucoma risk. Many individuals over 40 years old are unaware they need routine screening for the condition, despite being at increased risk.
Geraldine Richmond, a renowned Oregon chemist and educator, has been recognized for her efforts to foster diversity in the chemical workplace. She founded the Committee on the Advancement of Women in Chemistry (COACh) to support women chemists and promote gender equality.
Researchers found that learning new motor skills does not occur in the cerebellum, but rather in other parts of the brain. The cerebellum does influence changes in performance, however.
A recent study found that pressure-lowering eye drops reduced the development of primary open-angle glaucoma by over 50 percent. The study suggests that treating people with elevated eye pressure may delay or prevent glaucoma, particularly in those at higher risk due to age, ethnicity, or ocular characteristics.
A team of scientists led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Professor Jun Abrajano refutes the Noah's Flood Hypothesis by presenting sediment evidence of sustained interaction between the Mediterranean and Black Seas. This contradicts the theory that a massive flood destroyed freshwater mollusks in the Black Sea.
Researchers found that melanocytes, pigment-producing skin cells, are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation due to a protective mechanism involving the MITF gene. This mechanism allows them to survive solar radiation, making melanoma treatment challenging.
Nancy Treasure, a chemistry teacher at Layton High School in Utah, has been recognized with the American Chemical Society Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching. She is known for her ability to tailor instruction to all ability levels, resulting in an advanced placement pass rate of 80-85 percent.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified six new breast cancer-susceptibility genes, expanding the current list of eight known genes. The discovery provides a promising lead for developing targeted treatments and genetic tests to gauge inherited breast cancer risk.
In a large clinical trial, patients with impaired glucose tolerance who took acarbose were 25% less likely to develop type-2 diabetes than those taking placebo. Acarbose also helped reversion of impaired glucose tolerance to normal glucose tolerance. The main side effects were flatulence and diarrhea.
A. Troy Pauli, a Wyoming chemist, has developed an automated flocculation titrimeter (AFT) that analyzes the stability and performance of asphalts made with mixtures of heavy oils and petroleum residues. The device helps maximize the recovery of distillate oil by measuring the amount of "coke" formed during the breakdown process.
Dopamine and ethanol act through independent mechanisms to produce a common cellular response sustaining voluntary drinking behavior in rats. The study suggests synergy between dopamine D2 and adenosine A2 receptors creates hypersensitivity to ethanol and beta gamma dimers are required for sustained drinking.
Researchers argue that the NY-ELCAP program cannot determine if screening saves lives due to a lack of control group. The study may harm participants, lead to overdiagnosis and make it harder to learn the true effect of spiral CT screening.
The LAT protein is essential for T-cell activation and a normal immune response. Mutations in the protein can lead to unbalanced signaling pathways, potentially causing autoimmune disorders.
Researchers at UC Riverside discovered a molecular switch called Rop that assists plant survival in low-oxygen conditions, such as flooding. The enzyme ADH is produced through a rheostat-like mechanism, which is controlled by the Rop switch.
A recent study found that eye drops can delay the onset of glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure by approximately 20%. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) followed 1,636 participants with elevated eye pressure and showed a significant reduction in glaucoma development among those who received treatment. This breakthrough...
A study of Chinese in-patients with first-time schizophrenia reveals a genetic alteration associated with increased bodyweight and drug-induced weight gain. The research suggests a predictive test could determine a patient's likelihood of developing this side effect, allowing for personalized treatment.
A study found that 14- to 18-year-olds have a high prevalence of alcohol and drug disorders, with over half having used substances in the past year. A new screening tool, CRAFFT, was effective in identifying teens at risk.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Australian Aboriginals are more susceptible to diabetes due to excess weight. The researchers suggest lowering BMI guidelines to reduce the risk, which could potentially prevent up to 46% of diabetes cases.
New research reveals that brain activity associated with performing motor skills is separate from the process of learning those skills. The study, conducted by Dr. James Ashe and colleagues, used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect brain activity in the cerebellum during performance of learned motor skills.
A simple urine test can predict Alzheimer's disease by detecting increased brain oxidative damage in the form of isoprostanes in urine. The test may help doctors diagnose the disease earlier, allowing for slower progression and better treatment response.
The U-M artificial lung has improved blood flow and reduced risk of clotting, showing encouraging results in sheep tests. The device could potentially bridge lung disease patients to transplant, reducing the average wait time from two years.
A new device developed by Northwestern University uses a hollow-fiber membrane biofilm reactor to remove perchlorate and nitrate from contaminated water. The system exploits the natural biochemical process of electron transfer, reducing contaminants to harmless substances.
A pioneering neurosurgeon has successfully implanted an artificial vision system in eight blind patients, enabling them to drive cars and navigate their surroundings. The device, developed by the Dobelle Institute, stimulates the brain's visual cortex to create a semblance of sight.
The discovery of a Jupiter-like planet and the smallest known planet outside the solar system offers hope for finding life beyond Earth. The newly found planet orbits 55 Cancri at nearly the same distance as Jupiter orbits our sun, making it a near analog to our own solar system.
Researchers have discovered zebrafish produce enzymes similar to human COX enzymes, which could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study also shows that drugs targeting COX-2 behave similarly in zebrafish as in humans.
Researchers identify Beta-gamma dimer as key molecule in the brain's response to alcohol, which amplifies dopamine release and contributes to cravings. Blocking this molecule may prevent excessive drinking and provide a novel target for medications.
A new analysis suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 could prevent or mitigate some severe climate change effects. However, saving coral reefs is unlikely, while ocean currents and ice-sheet melting are more plausible but uncertain outcomes.
Mooney recognized for his work in plant physiological ecology and conservation efforts, including creating new methods to quantify environmental impact on plants. He also established the Global Invasive Species Program to raise awareness of human activities' effects on ecosystems through species introductions.
Researchers found that pressure-lowering eye drops reduced the development of primary open-angle glaucoma by more than 50% in high-risk individuals. The study also highlighted personal and ocular risk factors associated with glaucoma development.
A new study suggests that the placenta produces high levels of progesterone to interact with the sigma receptor, which disables the mother's immune system. This mechanism allows the fetus to survive without being rejected by the mother's immune system.
A recent study, TRAFFIC, found that intra-arterial infusions of recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2 (rFGF-2) improved exercise capacity in patients with moderate-to-severe intermittent claudication. Peak walking time increased by 1.77 minutes with single-dose rFGF-2 and 1.54 minutes with double-dose rFGF-2.
Researchers argue that NY-ELCAP cannot determine if spiral CT screening saves lives due to a lack of control group. The study's design flaw could lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment for some participants.